I was skeptical as to what to expect but from the first meeting, I was so glad I had made the decision to attend. The results were life changing. I now have a sense of peace that I've never experienced through a greater understanding of myself and my relationships. I feel free, wow!
M.J.

Venue Highlights

With rooms by quiet coastline waters and rustic cabins tucked away among the trees, you will feel far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Our property and facilities are designed to support our program participants and facilitate the delivery of our educational programs. Although we may not be able to offer all of the luxuries that you may associate with a resort hotel, we do offer the basics and a wonderful natural environment where you can enjoy quiet comfort.

Amenities

Free Wifi

Pool

Free Parking

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Menu/Cuisine

Our goal is to support you and your fellow program participants with delicious, nutritious meals - healthy, nutrient-packed options for your pleasure and well-being. We strive to feature whole, naturally-energizing foods; avoid the use of refined sugars and other highly-processed ingredients whenever possible; and, in line with both health and environmental recommendations, provide healthier cuts and portions, and reduce the amount of animal protein overall.

Accommodations

Thunderbird dormitory is our most economical option. Each dorm pod accommodates up to 6 people, and each pod has its own washroom. Bunks are single over single, with extra-long mattresses. Dorm pods are separated by gender. The Thunderbird dormitory is only available for participants registered in a program at The Haven. From July to mid-August, the dorms are reserved for our Youth Programs. Read more about the Thunderbird dorms (PDF).

Basic rooms are simply furnished, comfortable and economical. They have two singles or one double bed, ensuite, no TV. Basic rooms are designed to be shared by two or three people, with beds in the same room and a shared bathroom. A Basic room may also be booked as a private room.

Forest View rooms are nestled in attractive forested areas of The Haven property. Larger than our Basic rooms, Forest View rooms are designed to be shared by two or three people, with beds in the same room, a TV and private bathroom. A Forest View room may also be booked as a private room.

Ocean View rooms offer spacious, well-equipped and comfortable accommodation looking out over the beach and waters of Taylor Bay. There is a TV in each room, a full kitchen or kitchenette, and private bathroom. Most Ocean view rooms have a deck. Although Ocean View rooms are usually booked as private accommodations, you may be able to share an Ocean View room if you and another program participant both request to be each other's roommate.

Many people find that having a roommate enhances The Haven experience. For some, it's the start of a long friendship.

If you choose Basic or Forest View shared accommodations and wish to stay with a particular person, please provide that person's name when you complete your on-line registration or contact a registrar at register@haven.ca or 1 800 222 9211 x1. Please ask your preferred roommate to do the same. Ocean View rooms may only be shared if both guests request each other by name as roommates when booking.

If you choose the Dormitory, or if you choose Basic or Forest View shared accommodations and would like us to find a roommate for you, we assign rooms as men only, women only, or gender neutral. If you would like assistance in choosing shared accommodations that meet your needs contact us at register@haven.ca or 1 800 222 9211 x1.

We make every effort to meet the needs of all our guests, but cannot guarantee specific rooms.

Directions

The Haven is on beautiful Gabriola Island, one of the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Gabriola Island is 20 minutes via BC Ferries from Nanaimo or 20 minutes by float plane from Vancouver. See getting here.

About the
Venue and Teachers

The Haven is a centre for transformative learning, located on beautiful Gabriola Island in British Columbia, Canada. Revitalize and realize your full potential, live life more fully!We love Retreat Guru and will have more of our programs listed here soon. For now, please visit haven.ca/programs.We offer programs in a group setting, focusing on self-responsible relational living. Our innovative approach and highly skilled faculty have inspired thousands to define and shape their lives.Experience Come Alive, 5 transformative days on beautiful Gabriola Island, British Columbia. If you're ready to shake things up, and try something different, this is the program for you. Here's what participants say about Come Alive.The video series Haven Portraits: Stories of Transformation offers a glimpse into the lives of people who have participated in programs and training at The Haven. They share their experiences and the impact of living what they have learned … real people, profound change.

David Raithby DipC, MEd, RSW has an intuitive and heartfelt style, and values honest and caring relating. He brings a wealth of skill and experience into creating and leading his many personal and professional development programs at The Haven and internationally. Associated with The Haven since its foundation, David leads and co-leads a diverse range of programs with his life partner of 30 years, Sandey McCartney, as well as with Linda Nicholls and others.

Sandey McCartney MA, DipC is a compassionate and skilled facilitator, educator and therapeutic counselor with over 35 years’ experience. Associated with The Haven since its foundation, she co-leads several Haven programs with her life-partner of 30 years, David Raithby. Together they have designed and led numerous personal and professional development programs in Canada and Asia, including Transforming Anxiety and Stress and the Couples Alive series.

Thank you!

Why Retreat?

We asked people why they go on retreat, here's what they said:

Relax & deepen my yoga practice!
Kristin

Retreat Guru's Vision

We believe human beings are innately wise, strong and kind. This wisdom, although not always experienced, is always present. Going on retreat is a beautiful way to reconnect to our basic sanity and health. Our aspiration at Retreat Guru is to inspire people to experience authentic retreats and reconnect with their innate wisdom, strength and kindness.